Endrick’s record as a left winger now looks interesting amid reported Arsenal interest
Arsenal have the deepest squad in the Premier League.
The signings of Ezri Konsa and Bruno Guimaraes provide Mikel Arteta’s side with the strongest defence and midfield in the division.
But according to Talking Points users, they are still quite light in the left side of attack.
With Gabriel Martinelli set to leave for Al Hilal, Arsenal would be left with just Christos Tzolis as the only out-and-out left winger.
They could turn to Eberechi Eze as a viable option, but it remains to be seen whether Arteta fully quite trusts him in that role, given the added defensive responsibility there.
Arsenal are trying to sign Julian Alvarez, who would be able to operate in multiple roles across the frontline.
But with the window closing fast, Arsenal have been exploring alternatives if a move for Arteta’s dream signing can’t come together.
And one of those options Arsenal have considered is Endrick.
Endrick’s record playing as a left winger
Endrick’s natural position is centrally, either as a centre-forward or playing just off of one.
But he’s also been used on occasion on the left wing, and it’s worth looking at his record playing in that role specifically.
According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian has played on the left four times across his career, scoring twice. That works out as a goal every other game, but obviously with an incredibly small sample size.
It doesn’t exactly provide evidence of a player who can operate consistently and effectively as a left winger.
As a left-footed attacker, he may actually be more comfortable playing off of the right, where he can cut inside and attack the goal.
But Arsenal already have an abundance of left-footed attackers — Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Max Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino.
Why a move for Endrick doesn’t quite make sense for Arsenal
Endrick is a completely different profile to the left-footed players Arsenal already have. But Arteta’s side already have multiple players who can fill the zone he likes to operate.
You could make the same argument for Alvarez, but at least with him you’re getting a world-class attacker who instantly elevates the Arsenal attack.
Endrick, at just 20, is still raw and is currently injured anyway. Besides, the discussion may be moot now.
Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on the links, making it clear that Endrick is staying at Real Madrid this summer, ‘despite requests from several clubs’.
Arsenal may have made contact, but they won’t sign Endrick before the deadline. And honestly? That’s probably the right outcome for everyone.
